Decimal and binary self-complementing gas tube counter



DECIMAL AND BINARY SELF-COMPLEMENTING GAS TUBE COUNTER Filed Nov. 26, 1954 Feb. 4, 1958 E. J. RABENDA 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. EDWARD J. RABENDA Feb. 4, 1958 E. J. RABENDA DECIMAL AND BINARY SELF-COMPLEMENTING GAS TUBE COUNTER Filed Nov. 26, 1954 -3 Sheets-Sheet 2 E26 526 mm A 596 5:91 W

INVEN TOR. EDWARD J. RABENDA AGENT Feb. 4, 1958 E. J. RABENDA DECIMAL AND BINARY SELF-COMPLEMENTING GAS TUBE COUNTER Filed Nov. 26, I

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NO m b05200 JMMIB mm h Unite 1 DECTMAL AND BINARY SELF-COMPLEMENTING GAS TUBE COUNTER Edward J, Rabenda, Poughkeepsie, N; Y., assignor to International Business Machines Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application November 26, 1954, Serial No. 471,179 9 Claims. (Ci. 31584.6)

tates Patent Subject to practical considerations the entire system may be placed in a single envelope, however, the use of a plurality of envelopes is also contemplated.

A principal object of the invention is' to provide a novel accumulating device of the gaseous glow transfer type wherein the presence of a negative balance is immediately determined and wherein negative numbers are directly converted to their complement values for selected read out in true figures in either decimal or code form.

Another object of the invention is to provide a-gaseous accumulator tube of the glow transfer type wherein read out of the manifestations stored therein is accomplished by applying a number of manifestations equal to the decimal storage capacity of the accumulator when decimal read out is to be accomplished and by applying a number of manifestations equal to the coded equivalent storage capacity whenever a weighted code read out is to be accommodated.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a novel gaseous accumulating device capable of accepting information in either decimal or coded form and capable of delivery of the resultant information in either decimal or coded form.

A further object of the invention is to provide agaseous accumulating device wherein either decimal or coded manifestations are stored and read out on a comparative timing basis.

A still further object is to provide a gaseous glow transfer accumulator tube wherein a first closed glow transfer path is provided to accommodate readout of a single pulse differentially representative of decimals and a. second glow transfer path is provided to accommodate: one or more differentially timed pulses representative of coded values.

Other objects of the invention will be pointed out in Figure 3 is a timing chart showing the timesof closure of canr operatedcontac ts' employed'in the system arrange" ment of' Figure 2.

In accordance with the invention each order of the accumulator comprises a gaseous discharge tube of the glow transfer type wherein a glow discharge is repeatedly transferred along a predetermined glow transfer path. The basic principle of tube operation is similar to that described and claimed in the copending United States patent application, Serial Number 301,675, filed July 30, 1952, wherein a self-complementing decade tube is disclosed.

Briefly this basic tube is provided with ten digit representing cathodes having a like number of interspersed transfer cathodes arranged in a closed glow transfer path, with a single anode spaced equidistantly from each of the cathodes. The digit cathodes are physically arranged so that ones representing complementary values of nine are adjacent one another with pairs of inversion cathodes arranged therebetween to allow a bidirectional glow transfer in complementing or recomplementing'a stored value for purpose of subtraction. In accordance with the present invention a further row of cathodes is associated with each digit representing cathode or a total of ten such rows provided. The row cathode groups are arranged in glow transfer relation with the associated digit cathode and are so connected as to transfer a discharge to binary digit representing ones of said row cathodes when appropriate signals are applied to the tube.

Referring now' to Figure 1, the digit representing cathodes are labeled D0 to D9 and are located in the central or decimal section of the tube which, as before mentioned, may comprise a single envelope 10. Transfer cathodes labeled T are interspersed between the D cathodes and pairs of inversion cathodes designated I are located between complementary D cathodes. The digit cathodes for the decimal values 1 to 8 are commonly connected by a lead 11 which connects to a lead 12 through a 47 ohm resistor 13. The lead 12 is normally maintained at a potential of volts by a source not shown. The digit cathode D0 is connected to the lead 12 through a connection designated 14 and a further 47 ohm resistor 15, while the D9 cathode is likewise coupled to lead 12 through a lead 16 and 47 ohm resistor 17. The common anode A is connected to a lead 18 through a 68K ohm resistor 19 with the lead 18 energized at +500 volts by a source not shown. Each of the transfer cathodes T is connected to a common lead 20 and through a 27 ohm resistor 21 to a resistor divider network 22 having one end connected to a +500 volt source and the other end grounded. The I cathodes are each commonly connected by a lead 23 which connects through a further 27 ohm resistor 24 to the midpoint of a further voltage divider network designated 25.

For purposes of explanation, it may be assumed that a stable glow discharge persists between the digit cathode D0 and the anode A, for example. A negative pulse applied to the transfer cathode circuit 20 now will cause the voltage difference between all the T cathodes and the anode to become greater than that between any one of the digit cathodes and the anode. The cathodes T adjacent the D0 cathode are in a region of more intense ionization andth'e glow migrates to one of them in a direction determined by a preference mechanism which allows the shift to take lace in only one direction. When the pulse o'n'circuit 20 terminates, the voltage difference betweenthe digit cathodes and anode becomes the greater and the glow transfers to the D1 cathode, being in the preferential direction. Further pulses applied to the circuit 20 cause a progressive transfer of the glow to succeeding higher value representing digit cathodes in a similar manner.

The inversion cathodes are pulsed as-a group to provide a self-complementing action as-employed in subtraction. Assuming again that a glow eiiists-betweenDt) and the anode A and recalling that complementary value" repr= senting D cathodes are adjacent one another with an intermediate I cathode, a negative pulse applied to the inversion circuit 23 causes the glow to prefer the adjacent Icathode rather than-the D cathode. When this pulse terminates, the glow again prefers a digitcathode and, due to the preference mechanism provided, migrates to the D9 cathode. A second I cathode is provided between complement representing digit cathodes and has a preference direction in a reverse sense so that a. second negative pulse applied to lead 23 causes a recomplernenting action and, for the example taken, the glow transfers from D9 back to the D0 cathode.

The operation and structure described up to this point is basically the same as that of the aforementioned copending application Ser. No. 301,675 and the improved structure comprises the laterally arranged rows of cathodes associated with each of the digit cathodes. For purposes of illustration a modified binary 8-4-2-1-0 code is employed although the system is adaptable for use with any code system,'and accordingly the lateral rows comprise five binary numbered cathodes BS, B4, B2, B1 and B0, each with a transfer cathode designated BT arranged therebetween in a closed glow transfer ring including the associated decimal digit cathode D.

In each lateral row, the combination of the binary numbered cathodes equivalent to the associated decimal value are commonly connected to a conductor 30. For example, in the lateral row associated with D9, the B8 and B1 cathodes connect to lead in the lateral row associated with D8, only the B8 cathode is so connected; and for D7, the cathodes B4, B2 and B1 are so connected etc. Each of the binary transfer cathodes BT are commonly coupled to a lead designated 31 which connects through a 27 ohm resistor 32 to the midpoint of a voltage divider comprising a pair of resistors designated 33 and 34. The lead 39 is connected through a 47 ohm resistor 35 to the aforementioned +135 volt line 12. Each of the binary digit cathodes in each lateral row that is not connected to the lead 30 is coupled instead to a further common lead 38 which connects through another 47 ohm resistor 39 to the lead 12.

Initially, the decimal-binary accumulator tube is reset to a starting position with a glow discharge existing between cathode D0 and the anode A. This is accomplished by completing a circuit from the D0 cathode lead 14 to ground by means of contacts 40a operated by relay 40. The relay 40 may be energized manually, in response to the sensing of a control perforation in a record card, or for example, by circuitry similar to that employed with the reset relay 40 as described in copending application Serial Number 471,427, filed November 26, 1954.

First, considering the read-in of coded information as from a so called increased capacity record card punched in the modified binary 8-4-2-1 code, a conventional card feed and reading device is employed. Such an increased capacity card is illustrated, for example, in the copending application last mentioned. As the card passes between a brush contact roll 41, individual sensing brushes 42 complete a circuit through a card perforation from the +61 volt source, lead 43, contact C11, brush 44, roll 41, brush 42, normally closed read in contact 45a of a relay 45 and through a coupling condenser 46 to the control grid of a read in tube R, causing this tube to fire. Tube R is a 21321 gas tube and once ionized it remains in a conductive state until its plate circuit is opened by the operation of contacts C3 as will be observed from the timing chart of Figure 3.

During the conductive period of tube R, its cathode is raised from ground potential to approximately volts, causing the voltage at the shield grid 47 of a tube P, which is connected thereto, to become more positive.

If a perforation in the 8 index position of the card has been sensed, for example, the control grid 48 of tube P .is then pulsed 8 times through operation of contacts C8.gwhich,;as shown in Figurea3, provide 8 individual.

pulses during this period. Tube P then is caused to conduct for eight distinct intervals and the potential on lead 49 connected to its plate and consequently the potential of lead 20 connected to the mid point of the resistance divider 22 is lowered for eight distinct intervals. Each lowering of the potential of the transfer cathode circuit causes the glow discharge to be shifted to the next higher position and after the full eight pulses are counted the contacts C3 open and the tube R is deionized.

Driving pulse from contacts C8 will thereafter be in-- effective unless the tube R is again ionized through the sensing of a further perforation.

Should a second record card be now sensed by the brushes 42 and contain a perforation in the 2 position for example, two pulses are directed to the tube P while the tube R is turned on and accumulation takes place with a carry function also necessary.

With each ten counter input pulses applied, the glow discharge transfers from the cathode D9 to the cathode D0. As the glow leaves, D9, line 16 connected thereto is lowered in potential and a negative pulse is developed at the primary of a differentially connected pulse transformer 50 having a 1:4 ratio of transformation. A positive pulse is thus generated and transferred via a lead 51 to the control grid of a carry and read out control tube C causing this tube to ionize and maintain conduction through the normally closed contacts 52a of a read out relay 52 and a pair of cam contacts C5. The potential at the cathode of tube C raises from ground to approximately +50 volts upon conduction and this point is normally connected through a lead 54 to the resistor 55 connected to the counter driver tube P of the succeeding higher order position of the accumulator.

Operating in conjunction with cam contact C7 which is opened at carry time, the voltage of the shield grid 47 of tube P changes from to -50 volts. Therefore the shield grid becomes positive only during carry time and then only when a carry cycle has occurred in the lower order counter. As shown in Figure 3, a carry pulse is normally generated and directed to the control grid of tube R of the next higher order accumulator. Immediately after carry time the contacts C5 open and cause the carry tube C to deionize.

In the above described manner, binary coded information may be read into storage and accumulated in decimal values employing the decimal representing digit cathodes. Decimal read in may also be performed as for example from under the control of a standard decimal type record card in place of the increased capacity card illustrated. As an alternative method, entry of decimal information may be made by type Wheel contacts such as those illustrated and described in United States Patents 2,438,081 and 2,551,088. In the latter instance the sensing circuit is connected from the type wheel contact 56 via a lead 60 to the cam side of a contact C2 which closes at differential time at each index position. Assuming an 8 value is indicated by the type Wheel contact, a +61 volt pulse is transmitted at 8 time through the lead 60, contacts C2, the normally open now closed contacts 45a and the condenser 46 to the grid of tube R. Contacts 45a are closed under control relay 45 which is energized through cam contact C4 which, from the timing chart, is observed to be closed at this time. The tube T is ionized and each closure of the contacts C8 thereafter energizes the tube P and develops a negative pulse which is applied to the transfer cathode circuit 20 as in the previous case. Carry operations also occur in a manner similar to that previously described for a binary coded input system.

The next function to be considered is the manner in which information may be read out in binary form. Assuming for example that as a result of an accumulation operation by one or the other of the aforementioned methods, aglow discharge exists on the cathode D7. In this instance it is desired to read out the binary combination represented by 4-2-1. Selectively, the binary read out contacts 70a are transferred by actuation of the relay 70 and the relay points 80a to 80c of the read out and reset relay 80 are transferred. Relays 70 and 80 may be energized by manual control or by card perforations in selected control positions. Read out contact 80-h raises the potential of the shield grid of tube P from a minus to a plus value. Cam contacts C9 control the application of binary transfer readout control pulses and contacts Sfl-a direct these pulses to the control grid of tube P causing conduction at intervals as shown in the timing chart of Figure 3. As the tube P fires for the first time, an impulse is directed through lead 49, now closed contacts 8tlc, resistor 32, lead 31 and to the BT cathodes'including that associated with the D7 cathode. The glow transfers from D7 to the BT cathode and thence to the cathode B8. Succeeding pulses of the group of five developed by C9 cause the transfer to occur in sequence from B8 to B4, from B4 to B2, B2 to B1, B1 to B0 and then back to D7. As the glow in this lateral row transfers from the B4, B2 and B1 cathodes, pulses are developed at 4, 2 and 1 times on the lead 30 and are trans ferred through the normally open, now closed contacts 70-a to the primary of the pulse transformer 50. The secondary output is applied to the control grid of tube C causing this tube to fire at corresponding intervals. The normally open read out contacts 80d being now closed allows a punch or print magnet 90 to be energized at these differential times to operate a recording device of conventional type. When tube C receives the signal from the transformer 50 it ionizes and maintains the circuit through magnet 90 until interrupted by opening of the .cam contacts C6.

Should it be desired to read out a complement value of the D7 glow stored and accumulated, while retaining the output signal in a modified binary form, it is necessary to first invert the decimal 7. This is accomplished by energiz'ation'of a relay 91, either manually or by means of a control perforation. Contacts 91a connect the grid of the tube S'to the contact side of cam switch C10 and closure for the interval shown in the timing diagram now fires the tube and lowers the potential of line 23 activating the inversion cathode circuit negatively for a period determined by opening of contacts C11 in the cathode circuit which cut off the tube S. During this interval, the glow prefers the I cathode adjacent D7 and, after the tube S is cut off and the greater potential difference again established between the D cathodes and anode, transfers to the D2 or complement representing decimal cathode. Thereafter pulses developed to C9 in firing tube P step the glow through the closed lateral transfer path associated with cathode D2 for read out of the complement binary coded values.

In reading out a true decimal value regardless of the manner by which the value has been entered, read out decimal contacts 93-a are transferred, as through manual control of energization of a relay 93. Pulses from cam contacts C12 are now directed through the normally open, now .closed points 93-a to the control grid 48 of tube P causing conduction dilferentially at the time intervals shown for each index point 9 through 0. Under control of the first of the ten pulses delivered, with the glow assumed to be existing at D7, the glow'steps from D7 to D8, the second pulse steps the glow from D8 to D9 and the third pulse steps it from D9 to D0. As the glow leaves D9 a negative voltage swing is developed on iead 16 and is directed to the primary of the pulse transformer 50. The secondary pulse on lead 51 now fires tube C as contact C6 is closed for each index point providing +61 volts to the tube plate. Read out contact Sit-d is now closed and conduction through the tube C energizes the magnet 90 at 7 index time to operate a recorder device not shown. This circuit is energized until contact C6 opens to cut off tube C and subsequent pulses from contact C12 control the return of the glow to its original position Within the counter tube.

By the-above description of various types of tube operation in allowing decimal or coded input accumulation or read out, the flexibility ofthe improved-tube has been adequately illustrated and its structure set forth,.how-

. ever, it is to be emphasized that the controls and examples employed for thispurpose have not been exhaustive.

It is to be pointed out that the'improved tube is capable of addition and subtraction in the same manner as the decimal tube described, forexarn'ple, in the eependi'n application Serial No. 306,983, which was filed'August 29, 1952, and the flexibility of input and output infd'rma tion variations is in addition to the features therein described.

departing from the spirit of the invention. tention, therefore, to be liimted only as indicated by the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A pulse responsive gaseous discharge device of the glow transfer type including ten'digit cathodes represe'n't ative of the digits 0-9 inclusive, ten transfer cathodes located individually between successive digit'cathodes, an anode common to all cathodes, means for establishing a glow discharge within said device, means for pulsing'said transfer cathodes to thereby cause said glow to advance in a closed path assuming successive digit cathode posi'-' tions in response to each applied pulse, and selectively operable means for determining in code form the decimal equivalent of a glow established to a digit representing cathode, said latter means including a further group of cathodes arranged in glow transfer relation with each said digit cathode.

2. A translating device comprising a gaseous discharge tube having a single anode and a plurality of decimal value representing cathodes arranged in a closed glow transfer path; a transfer cathode positioned between suecessive ones of said decimal value cathodes; a row of code value cathodes for each said decimal value cathode and arranged in a closed glow transfer path including the as sociated decimal cathode; a further transfer cathode positioned between each successive code value'cathode and between the associated digit value cathode and the adja cent code value cathodes; circuit means connecting code value cathodes of each said row'corresponding with the coded value of the associated digit cathode; circuit means for applying a series of pulses corresponding in number to the number of said coded values to said further transfer cathodes whereby differential coded pulses corresponding to the decimal value of a glow established at a decimal value cathode is produced on said circuit means.

3. A translating device comprising a gaseous discharge tube having a plurality of decimal value representing cathodes arranged in a unidirectional closed glow transfer path; a transfer cathode positioned between successive ones of said decimal value cathodes; a pair of inversion cathodes arranged between complement value represent ing ones of said digit cathodes'and adapted to'provide, bi= directional glow transfer therebetween; a row of code value representing cathodes for each said decimal value cathodes; a further transfer cathode positioned between each successive code value cathode and between the as sociated digit value cathode and the adjacent code value cathodes; a single anode common to each said cathode; circuit means for applying a fixed series of pulses to said further transfer cathodes whereby coded output pulses are derived from said code value representing cathodes through a circuit interconnecting those code cathode values corresponding with that of the associated digit cathode.

4. A translating device comprising a gaseous discharge tube having a plurality of decimal digit representing cathodes .arranged in a closed glow transfer relationship; a transfer cathode positioned between successive ones of said decimal representing cathodes; a plurality of rows of code value representing cathodes, one of said rows of code value representing cathodes being provided for each of said decimal representing cathodes and arranged in a closed glow transfer path with that decimal cathode; a further transfer cathode positioned between successive ones of said code value representing cathodes and said associated decimal cathode; an anode common to each of said cathodes, circuit means connecting code value representing ones of said cathodes of each said row equivalent to the value of the associated decimal cathode; further circuit means connecting the remaining ones of said code value representing cathodes; means for applying a series of input pulses representing a number to be stored to said transfer cathodes; means for selectively pulsing said further transfer cathodes to step said glow discharge completely around the row associated with the decimal glow position established; and output means coupled to said circuit means.

5. A pulse responsive gaseous discharge device of the glow transfer type including ten digit representing cathodes, ten transfer cathodes individually arranged between successive ones of said digit cathodes, an anode common to all cathodes, means to establish a glow discharge within said device, means for pulsing said transfer cathodes to cause said glow discharge to advance in a closed path assuming successive digit cathode positions in response to each pulse applied, a preselected number of code value representing cathodes and interspersed transfer cathodes for each said digit cathode and arranged in a closed glow transfer path therewith, and selectively operable means for determining the coded equivalent of a decimal representing glow established to a digit cathode.

6. A translating device comprising a gaseous discharge tube of the glow transfer type including ten digit representing cathodes, a transfer cathode arranged between successive ones of said digit cathodes, an anode common to all cathodes, means to establish a glow discharge within said device, means for causing said glow discharge to advance in a closed path including a successive digit cathode positions in accumulating a value to be counted, selectively operable means for determining the amount accumulated in decimal form, and selectively operable means for determining the amount accumulated in an equivalent coded form, said latter means including a group of a preselected number of code value representing cathodes and interspersed transfer cathodes arranged in a closed glow transfer path with each digit cathode.

7. A pulse responsive gaseous discharge device of the glow transfer type including ten digit representing cathodes, ten transfer cathodes individually arranged between successive ones of said digit cathodes, a pair of inversion cathodes arranged between complement value representing ones of said digit cathodes, an anode common to all cathodes, means to establish a glow discharge within said device, means for pulsing said transfer cathodes to cause said glow discharge to advance in a closed path assuming successive digit cathode positions in response to each pulse applied, means for selectively pulsing said inversion cath- 8 odes to cause a complementing action, a preselected number of code value representing cathodes and interspersed transfer cathodes for each said digit cathode, said code 7 value representing cathodes being arranged in a closed glow transfer path including the associated digit cathode, and selectively operable means for determining the coded equivalent of a decimal value representing glow established to a digit cathode.

8. A translating device comprising a gaseous discharge tube of the glow transfer type including ten digit representing cathodes, a transfer cathode arranged between successive ones of said digit cathodes, a pair of inversion cathodes arranged between complement value representing ones of said digit cathodes to allow a bidirectional glow transfer therebetween, an anode common to all cathodes, means to establish a glow discharge within said device, means for causing said glow discharge to advance in a closed glow transfer path including successive digit cathode positions in accumulating a value to be counted, means for selectively pulsing said inversion cathodes to cause a complementing glow transfer action, selectively operable means for determining the amount accumulated in decimal form, and selectively operable means for determining the amount accumulated in an equivalent coded form, said latter means including a group of a preselected number of code value representing cathodes and interspersed transfer cathodes arranged in a closed glow transfer path with each digit cathode.

9. A pulse responsive gaseous discharge device of the glow transfer type including ten digit cathodes representative of the digits 0-9 inclusive, a transfer cathode arranged between successive ones of said digit cathodes, a pair of inversion cathodes arranged between complement value representing ones of said digitcathodes to allow a bidirectional glow transfer therebetween, an anode common to all cathodes, means to establish a glow discharge within said device, means for causing said glow discharge to advance in a closed glow transfer path including successive digit cathode positions inv accumulating a value to be counted, means for selectively pulsing said inversion cathodes to cause a complementing glow transfer action, selectively operable means for determining the amount accumulated in decimal form, and selectively operable means for determining the amount accumulated in an equivalent binary codedform, said latter means including a group of code cathodes representative of the weighted values 0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 for each said digit cathodes with each said group having a transfer cathode arranged between successive ones of said code cathodes and said digit cathode, and output circuit means connecting code cathodes of each said group corresponding with the coded value of the associated digit cathode.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,633,550 Stieritz Mar. 31, 1953 2,646,523 Gugelberg July 21, 1953 2,651,741 Koehler Sept. 8, 1953 FOREIGN PATENTS 148,626 Australia Oct. 15, 1952 

